Tropical Depression Eighteen, formerly a disturbance in the Caribbean, developed over the weekend with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, moving north at 9 mph. It is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Rafael as it moves near Jamaica. By mid-week, it may reach Category 1 hurricane status as it nears Cuba. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm in November is rare…
“This is terribly unusual, and for us to be worried about a tropical storm in November is almost unheard of.”
However, its potential impact on the Gulf Coast remains uncertain. While the system could maintain strength as a tropical storm or low-end Category 1 hurricane, Keim says factors like drier air and wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico could weaken it upon entry.
“It’s probably gonna hang in as a hurricane for quite a while but its going to be on the downward slope rather than increasing intensity.”
Currently, landfall along the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, appears unlikely. Forecasts suggest the system might weaken or dissipate before reaching the coast, Keim says potentially bringing rain and breezy conditions for Saturday’s Bama-LSU game.
“Right now it does look like this thing could be a real nuisance for the game. Not a dangerous threat, but just a real nuisance for trying to play football.”
